SAN DIEGO
San Diego’s best days out.
A short guide to the 10 best museums tours, with what each one costs, how long it runs and who you book it through.
Prebook USS Midway Museum admission in San Diego for an easy self-guided visit, with an audio tour and access to decks and restored aircraft.
Most Popular“What a learning lesson. I have a better appreciation of our service men who fought for my freedoms. Love the volunteers.”
Board historic ships and submarines at San Diego’s Maritime Museum for $28, including Star of India. Plan 1–2 hours.
“My daughter and I went together, for our Mother's Day celebration to each other. We had a full day and went top to bottom. We enjoyed all we saw and experienced”
Visit Mission San Luis Rey near San Diego with admission to the museum and grounds plus a self-guided walk through California’s Spanish-mission story.
“The experience of using the voucher was smooth and pleasant. The place was very nice and well-maintained. The pictures and texts on the wall helped us to understand the history of the mission more. There are many nice areas in the Mission, but most of them are not opened to public.”
Spend a day at San Diego Natural History Museum in Balboa Park with 75 million years of fossils, Baja exhibits, and giant-screen films included.
“Very good I enjoy how it’s helping animals around the world while still informing the general public about what they’re doing”
Test optical illusions with 50+ hands-on exhibits at San Diego’s Museum of Illusions in the Gaslamp Quarter. $35 entry.
“My experience was good but it was to much people maybe control better the amount of people”
See San Diego Bay vessels from USS Dolphin to tall ships and H.M.S. Surprise. A one-day maritime museum visit with learning and views.
Museum of Illusions San Diego in the Gaslamp Quarter: 50+ hands-on optical illusions, holograms, and photo moments. Mobile ticket.
“The museum isn’t very big but the staffs were all very helpful and friendly. They offered their advices how to take the best photos. We had a fun time.”
San Diego Natural History Museum at night: rooftop Balboa Park views, 4 floors of exhibits, films, trivia, bars, and the Foucault pendulum.
Sail San Diego aboard the tall ship Californian, then tour the Maritime Museum. Hands-on sailing and historic ships included.
“Wow what a day out first of all make sure you look round all the boats and take your time, but the trip on the California was amazing help out the crew in pulling up the sails get involved when ever you can you'll learn so much in the time you are there. Recommend this…”
Ride the San Salvador galleon replica from San Diego, then explore the Maritime Museum, with real ships like HMS Surprise and Star of India.
“the best ever”
Every neighborhood, every stretch of coast, and every way to get out on the water.
